Call for Nominations and Applications
Maryland School for the Deaf Board of Trustees
The Trusteeship Committee for the Maryland School for the Deaf Board of Trustees is currently accepting applications for Trustees to fill existing and projected vacancies beginning in 2026 throughout 2027.
About the Maryland School for the Deaf
The Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) is a public, state-supported educational institution serving approximately 500 students annually on campuses in Frederick and Columbia. MSD provides comprehensive academic, residential, and support services within a bilingual, inclusive learning environment.
The MSD Board of Trustees (MSD-BOT) serves as the School's fiduciary and governing body, responsible for policy oversight, institutional stewardship, and the appointment and evaluation of the Superintendent. Members of the Board act only as a collective body and the individual members have no power as such.
Commitment to Inclusive Governance
MSD is committed to inclusive and representative governance. The Board of Trustees values diverse professional backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives that reflect and support the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community, families, educators, and stakeholders throughout Maryland.
Expertise Sought
To strengthen the collective expertise of the Board, at this time MSD is particularly seeking candidates with demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas:
>> Budget and Financial Management
>> Business and Industry Leadership
>> Technology Systems and Digital Infrastructure
Experience in Deaf education, educational and public policy, and workforce development is also highly valued. Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) is not required to serve as a Trustee; however, ASL proficiency or familiarity is preferred and encouraged.
Trustee Role & Service Expectations
A Trustee of the MSD Board is expected to serve without personal gain, partisan politics, or personal agenda. Trustees must be residents of the State of Maryland.
The MSD Board of Trustees is a working board. Trustees are expected to actively engage in governance and committee service.
Time Commitment
Trustees are expected to attend meetings regularly and prepare in advance by reviewing Board materials.
>> Four (4) full-day, in-person Board meetings annually (typically held in September, November, February, and May), rotating between MSD campuses in Frederick and Columbia, MD. These meetings typically last from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
>> An additional three (3) to four (4) virtual meetings per year, based on committee assignments and the needs of the Board and School.
All Board meetings and activities are interpreted in ASL and spoken English.
Term Length & Reappointment
Members of the MSD Board of Trustees are appointed to serve terms of six (6) years. Initial term length for a newly appointed Trustee may be shorter than six years if the appointment is made to complete the unexpired term of a previous incumbent.
Trustees may be eligible for reappointment in accordance with applicable State statutes and Governor's Appointments Office guidelines. Reappointment is not automatic and is subject to performance, attendance, and the needs of the Board and the School.
MSD-BOT Recommendation & Appointment Process
Appointments to all MSD Board of Trustees are made by the Governor of Maryland, with the advice and consent of the Maryland Senate. Appointments are governed by Maryland law and administered through the Governor's Appointments Office (GAO).
The role of the MSD-BOT Trusteeship Committee is to recruit, assess, and recommend Trustee candidates to the GAO. The recommendation process includes:
1. Solicitation and receipt of nominations/applications of interested individuals;
2. Assessment of applicant qualifications by the MSD-BOT Trusteeship/Nominating Committee;
3. Review and recommendation of candidates to the GAO by the MSD-BOT;
4. Invitation notice (with directions) to recommend candidates to submit an official online application to the GAO.
Initial Nomination/Application Submission
After submitting initial application materials to the Maryland School for the Deaf:
>> A completed application form;
>> A letter of interest describing relevant qualifications, experiences, and motivation to serve;
>> A current résumé or curriculum vitae highlighting professional, leadership, or governance experience;
>> The names and contact information for three (3) references.
What to Expect After Submission
After submitting initial application materials to the Maryland School for the Deaf:
>> Applications will be reviewed by the MSD-BOT Trusteeship/Nominating Committee for alignment with current and anticipated Board needs;
>> Qualified candidates will be contacted by the Trusteeship Committee Chair for an informational interview and discussion;
>> Candidates advanced and recommended by the MSD-BOT will be invited to complete the formal application through the Governor's Appointment Office.
>> The Governor's Appointments Office will conduct background review and manages the formal appointment process, including Senate confirmation when applicable.
Because this is a Governor-appointed position requiring legislative approval, applicants should anticipate that the process may take several months.
Complete Application
Interested individuals are encouraged to complete and submit the nomination/application form by February 1, 2026, for full consideration. Please click the button below to begin and ensure all require materials are submitted by the deadline.
>> All application materials must be submitted by February 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
— Contact Us
MSD Board of Trustees
101 Clarke Place
P.O. Box 250
Frederick, MD 21705-0250
EMAIL